The final days of the year brought a whirlwind of emotions and major announcements for the South Indian film industry. December 30 proved to be a day packed with significant developments, ranging from a poignant personal loss and a highly anticipated wedding to exciting collaboration talks and a landmark legal victory for a superstar.
A Day of Personal Loss and Celebratory Plans
The industry was shrouded in sadness with the news of veteran actor Mohanlal's mother passing away. Santhakumari Amma, aged 90, died on Tuesday after a prolonged illness. She spent her final years at the actor's residence in Elamakkara, Kochi, where Mohanlal personally oversaw her care. Despite her son's immense fame, Santhakumari Amma led a remarkably private life, successfully avoiding the public spotlight. Her demise was mourned by Mohanlal's colleagues, countless fans, and well-wishers across the nation.
In stark contrast, reports about another celebrity family brought celebratory news. After months of speculation, the wedding plans for star couple Rashmika Mandanna and Vijay Deverakonda seem to be crystallising. Reports indicate the duo has finalised a heritage palace in Udaipur as their wedding venue. The ceremony is reportedly scheduled for February 26, 2026. Mirroring their low-key engagement, the wedding is expected to be an intimate affair with only close friends and family in attendance. No official functions post the wedding have been announced yet.
Creative Buzz and Legal Shields in the Industry
Meanwhile, Kollywood is abuzz with excitement over a potential dream project. Talks of a collaboration between acclaimed director Vetri Maaran and legendary actor Kamal Haasan have set social media alight. While an official green light is still awaited, insiders suggest a top producer is actively working to bring the two creative powerhouses together. Discussions on a potential subject are already underway. The mere idea of Kamal Haasan's unparalleled acting prowess merging with Vetri Maaran's signature socio-political storytelling has generated immense anticipation among cinephiles, who eagerly await formal confirmation.
In a significant move for celebrity rights, actor Jr NTR secured a crucial legal order. The Delhi High Court granted him protection for his personality rights. The star had approached the court alleging the unauthorized use of his name, image, voice, and overall identity by various digital platforms. The court issued an interim order safeguarding these rights and has sought responses from the concerned entities. Jr NTR expressed gratitude to the judiciary and his legal team, marking this as an important step against the unauthorized commercial exploitation of a celebrity's persona.
Critical Acclaim for a New Release
Adding to the day's discourse was noted filmmaker Shankar's heartfelt review of the new film 'Sirai'. Taking to social media platform X, Shankar praised the movie, calling it a deeply moving experience. He revealed that the film moved him to tears and its impact lingered with him throughout the day. Shankar specifically applauded the film's emotional core and its ensemble cast, mentioning Vikram Prabhu and newcomers Akshay and Anishma Anilkumar. His endorsement adds to the positive word-of-mouth for director Suresh Rajakumari's 'Sirai'.
From moments of profound grief to celebrations of love, creative possibilities, and legal triumphs, December 30 encapsulated the diverse and dynamic pulse of South India's vibrant film industry.
